Total Pro Sports
It’s been over two months since the New York Jets released Aaron Rodgers and sent him to free agency for the first time in his career. Fast forward to the present, and he still hasn’t made a decision on his playing future.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team actively pursuing Rodgers. Head coach Mike Tomlin and owner Art Rooney II have publicly expressed optimism that he’ll sign with them, but the 41-year-old hasn’t told them if he’ll continue playing.
Rodgers’ delayed decision has some folks wondering if the Steelers will end their pursuit. At some point, they’ll have to plan to move forward with Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback or find a plan B, potentially Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins.
Speaking to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport on “The Insiders”, Steelers star linebacker Alex Highsmith clarified that Aaron Rodgers’ delayed announcement isn’t distracting the team:
“I get asked a lot by my peers and some friends who are fans and stuff like that. I just feel like in the locker room, we’re in there working and I think that’s just really what it’s about at this point. I know that if he does sign, we’re definitely going to be really excited to have him. We know who he is.
He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. He’s one of the best to ever do it. I wouldn’t say it’s a distraction at all, but we all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table.”
If Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers, they instantly emerge as a contender in the AFC. If he retires, Tomlin and GM Omar Khan will have to ask themselves if Rudolph (a career backup) is really their guy, or if they should target another quarterback.
Rodgers has flirted with retirement since the end of the 2020 season, only to sign up for “another year.” It’s anybody’s guess if he’ll actually hang up the cleats this time, or if the four-time league MVP will give it a go in Steel City.
With all due respect to Rodgers, it’s hard to imagine that he’s actually undecided on his playing future. His 2024 season ended four months ago, and the Steelers have been trying to recruit him for two months.
If Rodgers is still not ready to commit to football, it’s a strong indicator that his head and heart aren’t in the game anymore. Thus, he’d be better off retiring while he’s ahead.
Also Read: Pittsburgh Steelers Are Reportedly On The Verge Of Making Blockbuster Wide Receiver Trade
